Explore the Forest at Crabtree Nature Center event

Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington Hills invites the public to celebrate the Forest Preserves of Cook County with a special day of exploration and free family fun during the annual Explore the Forest event on Sunday, June 2.

During Explore the Forest, attendees can learn about and try recreational activities including archery, fishing, camping and wildlife encounters. Attendees also have a chance to tree climb. Trail maps and bike checks will be available courtesy of L.L. Bean.

Attendees can also learn about the work that goes on behind the scenes to manage the preserves and can try out wildlife tracking radars, climb onto giant equipment used in habitat restoration and meet with Master Gardeners.

Special guests from the Chicago Botanic Garden and Brookfield Zoo will highlight their role in helping protect native plants and animals.

The event is from noon to 4 p.m. and is part of Chicago Wilderness' Leave No Child Inside initiative to promote children's connections with nature. Children can spend time in Crabtree's nature play area, where they can climb a spider web, build forts and follow a story trail.

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, in Barrington Hills, is one of six nature centers operated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Visits are always free, and the nature centers offer a variety of educational events and festivals throughout the year.

For more information, call the nature center directly at (847) 381-6592. A complete listing of all special events and programs is posted to the Forest Preserves' events website at fpdcc.com/events with seasonal brochures that can be downloaded.